The great swindle of 2017 has finally been revealed

Liberal National Party Leader Tim Nicholls has labelled Labor’s state budget as one of the greatest cons in the state’s history.

Mr Nicholls said Queenslanders were promised a jobs bonanza but unemployment was forecast to be higher for longer.

“This budget is a con – it is full of rubbery figures and accounting trickery,” Mr Nicholls said.

“What is more staggering is the fact the state’s debt will crack the $80 billion dollar mark for the first time in history, despite the $10 billion in raids and rip-offs that were the hallmark of Labor’s budget last year.

“What have they got to show for it? Nothing.

“For Queenslanders, this means $15,795 of debt for every man, woman and child living in this state – that is an increase of $1142 per person.”

LNP Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington said Regional Queenslanders would continue to be starved of vital infrastructure projects under this incompetent Labor Government.

“This is a government that promised to invest in infrastructure, but underspent on infrastructure by $1.7 billion last year – that is on top of the $2 billion underspent in 2015-16,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Infrastructure spending over the next four years is still going to be half a billion dollars lower than what the LNP was set to deliver.

“This do-nothing Labor Government continues to starve Regional Queensland of vital infrastructure investment – they have essentially sold out Regional Queenslanders.

“Labor always promises the world but never delivers.

“Once again Regional Queensland will miss out on its fair share in favour of securing inner-city votes.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said business investment went backwards yet again under Labor last year, and is forecast to stay flat this year.

“The Palaszczuk Government has hurt confidence and this is the result,” Mr Emerson said.

“Unemployment is going to remain above six per cent and higher than the national average over the coming years.

“Employment growth for the coming year has almost halved in just six months. Employment growth is going to be weaker than expected next year as well.

“Economic growth has also been revised down across multiple years.”

Key budget points:

Economic growth is lower under Labor than the LNP (2017 2.75% vs 3.5%).

Unemployment to remain above 6%.

Less jobs forecast to be delivered, with employment growth being revised down.

Debt is increasing by $8.2 billion to over $81 billion – first time in QLD history it is over $80 billion.

Debt is $15,795 for every man, woman and child in 2020. An increase of $1,142 over the next 4 years.